The Effectiveness of Limited Dynamic Wrist Splints on the Symptoms, Function, and Strength of Women with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Controlled Trial Study

Abstract

Background: Splinting is the most common conservative method of treatingpatients with mild and moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The aim ofthis study was to determine the effectiveness of the limited dynamic wrist splinton the symptoms, function, and strength of women with CTS. In this controlledtrial study, the subjects wore a splint of a new design called the “limited dynamicwrist splint”, which allowed the wrist motion in the range (between 15-degreeflexion and 15-degree extension) that exerts minimum pressure on the mediannerve and prevents extra pressure on the nerve by limiting the range of motionsout of the allowed range.Methods: In this study, 24 women diagnosed with mild to moderate CTS wereinitially evaluated on the basis of the Boston questionnaire, the dexterity testof the Purdue pegboard, grip and pinch strength, distal sensory latency, andsensory nerve conduction velocity. The subjects were randomly divided intotwo groups, control and treatment. Both groups received routine rehabilitationtreatment for six weeks. The treatment group received the limited dynamic wristsplint for about six to eight hours a day. After six weeks, the initial examinationswere repeated. The SPSS-16, independent t, and paired t-tests were used for dataanalysis.Results: All the variables in the treatment and the control groups showedimprovement. The function test of the Boston questionnaire, the Purduepegboard test, and the pinch strength were significantly improved in thetreatment group. The “severity of the symptoms” test of the Boston questionnaireand the pinch strength in the control group showed a statistically significantdifference (P < 0.05). In a comparison of the two groups, the function test of theBoston questionnaire showed a significant difference.Conclusion: This study showed that the use of the limited dynamic wrist splintfor about six weeks for six to eight hours a day could have a significant effect onthe function, dexterity, and the pinch strength of patients with CTS. Not onlycan the patients receive treatment by this method, but they can also performtheir daily activities to some extent.